Romeo and Juliet - How is Juliet Portrayed?

715 Words2 Pages

In literature, characters are generally introduced by what the characters say, what is said about them, and who they are surrounded by. Shakespeare introduces his character in such a way. In Act one Scene two, Juliet is first introduced to the audience, where Paris is asking Capulet for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Capulet describes Juliet as “yet a stranger in the world” who “hath not seen the change of fourteen years”. Capulet sees his daughter as young and innocent. To Capulet, Juliet “is the hopeful lady of my earth” because “earth hath swallow’d all my hopes but she”. These quotes indicate that Capulet cares about Juliet’s well being because he cannot bear losing another one of his children. Capulet's love for Juliet is indicated when Capulet tells Paris, “woo her, gentle Paris, get her heart, my will to her consent is but a part, and she agreed, within her scope of choice, lies my consent and fair according voice”. This is unusual for fathers of Shakespeare's time. Most fathers arranged for their daughter to marry for either property, alliances, or for a higher social s...

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